Crooked nose after primary rhinoplasty. Should I go to a different surgeon for revision? (photos)

Question

I had a procedure to reduce a hump that I had on my nose. My goal was to smooth the profile of my face at the bridge by removing the hump and wideness of the nasal bone. After op, I noticed my nose was lopsided. I went back to the doctor who told me it's just swelling. After healing, it was more apparent that my nose was crooked. Should I go to a new doctor? I'm depressed at the outcome. The original was reputable but I feel like I can’t trust given I had to convince him of the issue

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Hi ovorsmakefa! I'm so sorry this is happening to you. I highly doubt that the hump removal alone did this but it is possible that depending on how they fractured your bones, this could have happened. I would definitely consult with your first surgeon to see what they think is going on and if they have any suggestions as this is definitely not due to swelling. If they have nothing to offer, at the very least get your operative report to bring to an experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon because that will help the new surgeon determine what is going on in there. It almost seems like you might've had a graft placed that has now warped, but I can't know for sure without the op report. Good luck!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thanks for including photos with your question. Yes, the deviation of the nose can be addressed with a revision rhinoplasty procedure. However, it is important to get an assessment of whether it is a deformity or just swelling, as your surgeon indicated. It’s smart to get a second opinion. Keep in mind that revision rhinoplasty is a more complex procedure than primary rhinoplasty.
 
I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with a reputable board-certified facial plastic surgeon with expertise in revision rhinoplasty and African American rhinoplasty. They will be able to evaluate your nose and determine the best procedure plan to achieve the best possible outcome.

Stephen J. Pincus, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, swelling can make an early post-operative result look slightly asymmetric. However, it is usually easy to tell if the deformity is more related to an inadequate correction or just swelling. If your doctor continues to place the blame on swelling, after treating with steroids, taping, etc and after enough time has gone by, it wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion. The advantage of going to your original surgeon for possible correction is that he is familiar with your case and what he had done. Plus, it is probably more economical to have him correct it rather than another surgeon, assuming you still believe in his abilities!

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The deviation of the nose can be improved with a revision surgery. It could involve breaking the nasal bones again and /or fixing nasal septum. Sometimes cartilage grafting is needed as well. Make sure to give at least one year of healing time before doing your revision.
Regards
Dr. J

Crooked nose after primary rhinoplasty. Should I go to a different surgeon for revision? (photos)

Answers (4)